How you can help this boxing night be a knockout!

Lisa Nightingale

The determination of a South Tyneside man battling his way back to health has inspired a team of fundraisers to put on their boxing gloves for the hospital caring for him.

Ahmed Elsafy, was left fighting for his life when he was hit by a car as he changed a tyre near Whitemare Pool in January.

It’s amazing what they have been able to do for him, my sister has also been an amazing support to him also.

Matthew Donnelly

The 19-year-old suffered a fractured skull and other life-threatening injuries, leaving him in a coma and his family and friends fearing the worst.

At one point, his loved ones thought he would not pull through. But he battled back to consciousness, however, his injuries left him unable to walk or talk.

Several months on and with the help and support from staff at Walkergate Hospital, he is now able to talk and is determined to one day walk again and return to work.

The now 20-year-old, who was studying an engineering degree at Northumbria University, is hoping to get back to his studies as his health improves further.

Impressed with the way staff have supported his sister Hannah’s partner, Matthew Donnelly along with friend Rachel Benson, has organised a boxing event at the Hedworth Hall in Dean Road, in aid of the hospital.

The event will feature seven bouts, with each boxer, who has never stepped foot in a ring previously, trained at Harton and Westoe Miners Welfare under the supervision of trainer Chris Goodall.

Matthew, 26, from East Boldon, said: “Ahmed was given only a one percent chance of pulling through after what happened.

“He had suffered a fractured skull and other serious injuries and was effectively left brain dead.

“He was put into a coma and was in Newcastle’s RVI (Royal Victoria Infirmary) for two-three months before being moved to Sunderland then to Walkergate where he is being rehabilitated.

“They have worked wonders with him and he is now able to talk properly and they believe he can make a very good recovery. They also expect him to be able to walk again.

“It’s amazing what they have been able to do for him, my sister has also been an amazing support to him also.

“Each month he is getting better and better.

“The hospital have told us it costs around £3,500 per week, per patient and we have been so impressed and are so grateful for what they have done, we just wanted to do something to show how grateful we are for what they have done.”

The night named the ‘Brawl at the Hedworth Hall’ will take place on October 20. Tickets, priced £20, are available now by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk